Murray State athletics director Allen Ward says football coach Matt Griffin won’t be returning next season.

Ward says he decided a change would be an advantage for the western Kentucky school. He says a search will begin immediately for a new head coach.

Ward said in an announcement Monday that Griffin has improved the program’s foundation, but says the program “took a step back this season.” He says he thinks a change in leadership will allow Murray “to build upon what we have in place and energize a dedicated team and fan base.

Ward emphasizes that the commitment to the program is evident. In addition to the Field Turf playing surface, the football program enjoys a recently remodeled locker room, new scoreboard and play clocks, a new video editing system, new state-of-the-art strength and conditioning equipment.

“Without question I believe the commitment that has been made to the football program the past four years will entice an exceptional field of candidates for the job,” Ward said. “We have positioned the program for success and its time to capitalize on all we have to offer.”

Murray State (3-7, 2-5 Ohio Valley Conference) suffered its most recent loss last Saturday, losing 49-13 to Southeast Missouri, which had been previously winless in the OVC this season.

The Racers close out their season Saturday at Tennessee Tech at 1:30 p.m.